The second round of the 2021 World Rally Championship, Rally Sweden, has been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The event was scheduled for February 11-14 in Sweden’s Värmland, but the County Board has implemented strict new restrictions which has forced the cancellation of the rally, as cases have begun to rise quickly in the region.
The event was one of three WRC rounds to go ahead last year before the pandemic hit, along the season-opening Rally Monte Carlo and Rally Mexico.
Rally Sweden CEO Glenn Olsson explained that increasing cases in Sweden means the rally can’t now go ahead as originally planned.
“Rally Sweden organisers, the FIA and WRC Promoter fully understand that the health of the local population is of primary concern and are committed to a collective duty of care to protect both the Värmland community and the WRC family,” he said.
“During our planning, we have closely monitored what is a constantly evolving Covid-19 situation in the region. While we are naturally extremely disappointed, especially given the exciting new-look itinerary, this is a decision we support.”
The FIA and WRC Promoter are in negotiations with an alternative event and will make an announcement in the coming weeks.
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